Do Solar Panels Attract Birds? Do Solar Panels Attract Birds??

With the wide increase of solar panels, some researchers have raised concerns about their unintended effects on wildlife, particularly birds.

This brings us to an important question: do solar panels attract birds?

The answer is yes.

Birds, drawn to the reflective surfaces that mimic water bodies or open skies, often collide with these panels, mistaking them for safe landing spots.

In this article, I’ll walk through the reasons behind this attraction, the risks it poses, and some straightforward steps you can take to prevent these accidents.

Table of Contents

Kew Takeaways

Solar panels can attract birds as they might confuse them for water or sky so they fly into them
Solar panels don’t kill birds directly, but they might cause serious injuries that can be fatal
Injuries resulting from birds flying into solar panels cause up to 138,000 bird deaths per year in the US alone
You can avoid birds flying into your panels by removing anything near the panels that might attract them such as TV antennas and poles
You can install a wire mesh between the solar panel and the roof to avoid nesting under the panels
Putting a fake predator can keep birds away, but it also might not scare all of them
Roof spikes make it uncomfortable for birds to land, but they are not very aesthetically pleasing to look at
Silent ultrasonic bird deterrent devices emit high-frequency sounds that irritate birds but are not audible to humans

Do Solar Panels Kill Birds?

Solar panels don’t kill birds outright, but they can pose a risk to them.

Here’s what happens: Those shiny solar panel surfaces are misleading for birds.

They see the glare—which can look like water or open sky—and think flying towards it is safe.

This mix-up the researchers often call it the “lake effect.”

Sadly, when birds dive down towards what they think is a welcoming spot, they end up smacking into the hard solar panels.

These accidents can cause serious injuries, and sometimes, they’re fatal.

Every year, it’s estimated that about 138,000 birds in the U.S. die because of these collisions.

But the impact of solar panels isn’t just about these direct hits.

Large solar farms can mess up the natural areas where birds live and migrate.

They might block traditional flying routes or change the local environment so much that birds can’t live there anymore.

Researchers are onto this problem, though.

They’re using AI and cameras to track how birds interact with solar panels.

So, it’s all about finding a balance so we can enjoy the benefits of solar energy without harming our feathered friends.

We might look at panel placements or even tweak their designs to be less attractive as fake lakes.

Can Birds Damage Solar Panels?

Birds can damage solar panels in a few ways.

Here are the common ways that birds can cause problems for solar systems:

Scratching the Panels: Birds may scratch or peck at the solar panels. This behavior can leave small dents and grooves on the surface, which might reduce the panels’ efficiency by impairing their ability to capture sunlight effectively.
Nesting Under Panels: Birds often seek warm, sheltered areas to build their nests. If they choose the space under solar panels, their nests, along with droppings, broken eggs, and other debris, can block airflow. This blockage can cause the panels to overheat, potentially leading to corrosion and other types of damage.
Collision: Sometimes birds, mistaking the reflective surface of solar panels for water, may fly into the panels. Such collisions can leave scratches or even break parts of the panels, affecting their functionality and lifespan.
Attracting Other Pests: Birds nesting or roosting around solar panels can attract other pests, such as mice, squirrels, or snakes. These animals might chew on or damage the wiring and components of the solar system, leading to further maintenance issues.

How to Protect Solar Panels from Birds?

1. Use Fake Predators

This might sound like something out of an old farmer’s handbook, but hear me out: putting fake predator figures, like owls or cats, around your solar panels can help keep those pesky birds at bay.

These decoys trick birds into thinking there’s danger lurking, so they’ll think twice before hanging out near your panels.

But here’s the thing, birds are smarter than we sometimes give them credit for.

If they see that your “scary” owl hasn’t moved in ages, they’ll catch on that it’s just a statue.

To keep them fooled, you need to move these figures around now and then.

Just shuffle them to different spots occasionally—that way, the birds won’t get wise to your trick.

2. Install Bird Mesh

A bird mesh is like a handy screen that you can wrap around your solar panels.

It’s there to stop birds from slipping underneath and building nests.

And don’t worry, putting this mesh up is pretty simple.

It comes in rolls—kind of like wrapping paper—and you just clip it right onto the edges of your panels.

You need also to ensure you secure it tightly, though.

You should cover every possible gap so no sneaky bird can get through and mess with your setup.

This little step can keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you a headache (and some cash) down the road.

3. Apply Roof Spikes

Roof spikes might sound a bit intense, but they’re a super smart way to keep birds off your solar panels, especially in busy places like city settings.

Don’t worry—these spikes aren’t meant to hurt the birds.

They just make it uncomfortable for them to land and hang out there.

Imagine trying to sit on a bed of nails—not cozy, right?

That’s how the birds feel, so they’ll just fly off to find a nicer spot to perch or nest.

Although using these spikes alone can do a decent job, if you want to ramp up your bird-proofing game, try pairing them with another method.

For example, mixing roof spikes with bird mesh or those fake predators we talked about can seal the deal.

4. Keep the Area Clean

You might not think about it, but common items like TV antennas, poles, or even the layout of your garden can draw birds to places you don’t want them—like around your solar panels.

Here’s a tip: rethink where you’re placing stuff that could be bird hangout spots.

For example, keep antennas and tall poles away from your solar panels because they’re perfect perching spots for birds.

The same goes for trees and bushes that are too close—they give birds an easy hop onto your roof and make it super tempting for them to settle there and potentially damage your panels.

Also, managing food sources is key.

Bird feeders are awesome for birdwatching, but if they’re too close to your solar panels, you’re inviting trouble.

Ensure your yard is free from food scraps and other things that might attract birds.

A regular clean-up, like sweeping up your garden twice a week, can help keep it neat and less inviting to birds.

5. Consider Ultrasonic Bird Deterrents

At first glance, using sound to scare birds away from your panels might sound a bit mean, but trust me, ultrasonic bird deterrents are a smart and safe choice.

These little devices emit sounds at frequencies that are way too high for us to hear, but they irritate the birds.

The cool thing?

They’re harmless to the birds—they just find the noise annoying and decide to stay away.

Setting them up is a breeze.

Just place these devices around your solar panels, switch them on, and let them work their magic.

6. Spread Crushed Chili

Spreading crushed chili is a spicy trick that some homeowners swear by to keep birds at bay.

Birds are not fans of the strong scent and irritating properties of chili.

Here’s how you can use it:

Make the Mixture: Start by mixing some crushed chili peppers with water. You’ll want this mixture to be quite potent, so don’t skimp on the chili.
Let It Ferment: Once mixed, leave the concoction out in the sun for a few days. This step helps intensify the scent and potency of the mixture, making it even more effective at deterring birds.
Spray the Area: After a few days, take your fermented chili mixture and spray it around areas where birds are likely to nest or gather near your solar panels. The areas around the edges of the panels and any potential perching spots are good targets.

How Can You Clean Up the Mess Already Caused by Birds?

To clean up the mess already caused by birds, here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to get things cleaned up safely:

Avoid Metal Tools: First off, steer clear of metal tools. Why? Because if it’s sunny, the wiring in your solar panels could be carrying a lot of volts. Metal conducts electricity, which means you could end up with a shock or even cause a short circuit.
Use Non-Conductive Tools: Instead, grab tools made from materials that don’t conduct electricity, like plastic or fiberglass. A great tool for this job is a long handle with a heavy-duty plastic scraper at the end. This lets you reach under the panels and safely push out any debris—think leaves, sticks, or old nests—without getting too close.
Clean Regularly: By checking and cleaning under your panels often, you prevent the build-up of stuff that birds bring in to make nests. Regular clean-ups mean you’re less likely to face a big, tough mess later on.
Wash Gently: If you’ve got some stubborn debris sticking around, gently pouring water over it can help loosen things up. Just use a bucket and pour slowly—you want to ensure you’re not splashing water into any sensitive areas where it could cause problems.
Avoid Pressure Washers: They might seem handy, but pressure washers can push water into places it shouldn’t go, like the electrical bits of your solar setup. This could lead to faults or other damage, so stick with more gentle cleaning methods.

FAQs

Are Solar Panels Worth It for Bird Proofing?

Solar panels themselves aren’t a bird-proofing solution; additional measures are needed to deter birds effectively.

Do Solar Panels Attract More Heat?

Solar panels don’t attract heat; it’s a common misconception that they warm your home. They do the opposite; solar panels reflect most of the sun’s energy away from your home, helping to keep it cool.